The Museum of Islamic Art Library organized a writing competition for the young people of Gaza who came to Qatar after the Israeli attack since 7 October 2023. This initiative resulted in the creation of a book titled Tales from Gaza, which includes all the stories submitted to the competition.
More than just a contest, this initiative served as a means, an opportunity and an open space for expressing the feelings of children and young people who have endured hardships and suffering beyond what we can imagine. For some, it provided a chance to unleash their imagination in worlds far removed from the noise of reality, highlighting their writing talents and allowing them to explore stories woven from both reality and fantasy.
This competition played a crucial role in the library’s vision to enhance cultural, artistic and creative communication among children and youth around the world. It opened the door for sharing creative experiences and strengthened their ability to integrate into society and express themselves freely.
Presenter
Chaymae Mekanni, Library Coordinator, Museum of Islamic Art
Chaymae Mekanni is a graduate of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, holding a master’s in journalism and a bachelor’s degree in media and communication. With a solid foundation in media and communications through academic studies and internships, Chaymae has developed strong research, writing and storytelling skills, as she holds a deep passion for creating visual content driven by storytelling.
Since 2022, Chaymae has been serving as the Library Coordinator at the Museum of Islamic Art, where she plays a key role in providing library services and supporting visitors in accessing resources. She is also responsible for coordinating and managing educational activities, events and programs in collaboration with schools and various organizations.